Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson is accustomed to managing a high-pressure lifestyle. By the age of 24, the Ethiopian-born and Swedish-raised culinary expert had ascended to the position of executive chef at New York City’s Aquavit, becoming the youngest individual ever to earn a three-star review from the New York Times shortly after.
Over the years, Samuelsson has established himself as one of New York’s leading restaurateurs, with notable openings such as Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. He is also an accomplished author of cookbooks and memoirs and has been a familiar face on the Food Network for several years.
Now, Samuelsson is venturing into a new sector. In partnership with West Elm, he is launching a 32-piece home goods collection that draws inspiration from his Scandinavian and Ethiopian heritage, as well as his life in New York City.
In an interview with Quartz, Samuelsson discussed the changes in dining habits since the COVID-19 lockdowns, his restaurant inspirations, and his latest career endeavor.
Samuelsson noted that the pandemic transformed people’s relationships with dining out, leading to an increase in home cooking quality. As a result, diners now seek more from their eating-out experiences, looking for excellent service and vibrant atmospheres to enhance their social interactions.
He expressed pride in designing his restaurants to reflect their communities. At Red Rooster, the ambiance includes live music to celebrate the spirit of Harlem, while at Hav & Mar, the focus is on integrating art into the Chelsea experience through a partnership with artist Derrick Adams.
When discussing his new partnership with West Elm, Samuelsson emphasized his creative background, stating that cooking has been a significant part of his career, but he also enjoys painting and writing. He took a collaborative approach in the design process with West Elm, appreciating the company’s receptiveness to his ideas.
Samuelsson is particularly proud of how elements of his Swedish heritage and African prints have influenced the collection. Despite his diverse artistic pursuits, he concluded that cooking remains his true passion, highlighting it as the constant in his life amid various creative endeavors.